St Botolph's: ‘It’s time to get the facts on the table’

Colchester Council’s Cabinet members met in the town hall chamber which was packed with campaigners and councillors wanting to have their say on plans for the St Botolph’s Quarter in Colchester.

Developer Alumno hopes to build 330 student flats, a hotel, a public space, art studios, a community room and a heritage trail.

A number of speakers raised concerns during the Have Your Say public session.

Afterwards Labour group leader Tim Young spoke to dispel myths about the development, including the site being a gated community and rumours the council was selling the land next to Firstsite to Singapore.

Issues had also been raised about a covenant on the land, insisting it is used for statutory purposes of the council such as a bus station, car park or housing.

It was debated whether student accommodation fits the criteria of the legal agreement.

Mr Young said: “It is important to get the facts on the table, I want this out in the public realm as there have been a number of rumours.

“There is a covenant on the land with Essex County Council.

“It has been lifted for other development in the area and we are negotiating to get it lifted again.

“There is also no truth in land ownership going to Singapore, let me make that clear. This land has always been for a mixed use development, not public open space.

“This brownfield site is a key part of the regeneration area.

“Leaving it vacant would create antisocial behaviour, it’s a desolate wasteland.”

He said the purpose-built blocks would prevent family homes from being used as student accommodation.

Elements of the site will have to be private but there will be public rights of way.

He also wanted people to stop using the term Cultural Quarter, saying there are many other cultural landmarks around the town.

Council leader Mark Cory said the council would never make a decision which puts the public at risk.

A planning application has been submitted and will be determined on planning grounds alone.